What a weekend of emotion with the world cup rugby finals. In my household, we had allegiances to both teams, the country of our birth as well as our adopted country. I found myself getting really tearful at times, feeling so far away from my family and friends in South Africa, and thinking about how the rollercoaster of emotions that I’m experiencing must be echoed by so many people around the world.
Watching the coverage and social media after the result - seeing the elation, disappointment, humility and pride in so many players and spectators - it really hit home how much emotion is present at these events. How hard it must be for the players who work so hard to achieve goals, only to have to rise above their feelings to keep going in the face of defeat. It was humbling to watch and see the impact this had and to realise what incredible coping skills these players have. It’s called resilience.
Watching how the All Blacks bowed to the spectators and embraced the English team after their defeat in the semi-finals was a perfect example of ingrained resilience. It’s the ability to pick yourself up and face the next challenge. To ‘rise above’. The image here was captured at the end of the semi-final match when Savea (All Black), showed respect to England's Itoje. It must have been so hard to do!
Åse and I recently did a workshop with resilience at the core of the learning. We focused on the importance of optimism, a sense of humour and attitude to life. How this leads to feeling in control and coping with problems. How a support structure is so important and the underlying need for a strong sense of self and EQ. So many aspects to consider - each of them so important.
So with all the ups and downs and emotions of life (with or without the rugby!) - learn as much as you can about resilience. Teach yourself, teach your children and model the behaviour - it’s an essential life skill.
After the defeat Savea, left, showed respect to England's Itoje
ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES